An International Student’s Guide To Australia’s Energy Market

Energy prices in Australia are among the highest in the world, if you’re not careful it’s easy to overpay.

By Ansel Colburn,Electricity & Gas

We have news for you: Your first energy bill is likely to come as a shock. Australia is home to some of the highest electricity prices in the world. If you make the wrong choice, it’s easy to end up with huge bills. Here are the hard-earned lessons that students should know to keep energy bills in check.

First, you want to check if your energy usage is estimated. This can mean you’ll be charged way more than your actual usage. The next time your meter is physically read, the overcharge will be deducted from the following bill, but a big upfront cost can blow out your budget. To avoid this, pick a supplier that will allow you to enter your own meter reading. As a last resort, if you ask, you’re entitled to pay off your bill in instalments over 12 months.

Next, you need to be aware of the huge value gaps that exist in Australia’s energy market. Competition between suppliers is supposed to result in better value for consumers, but the reality in Australia is great deals for some, contrasted with complete rip-offs for others. In some states, the cost-difference is as much as $1,500 a year**.

The good news for international students is that it’s easier than you’d think to save. With just a simple comparison, our customers are saving an average of $160 every year^. We make it easy to understand the options that are available in your area, from a panel that includes suppliers big and small.

Here’s How You Do It:

Step 1:Select your State below.Step 2: After answering a few questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes in your area and could be eligible for significant savings.

All of Australia’s energy market regulators recommend that Aussies review their bills every year. This is because energy providers have been able to change rates without informing their customers, and because cheap introductory offers are used to lure people in before they find themselves hit with a big rate hike.

With our service you get access to no-markup policies from energy providers across Australia, making it easy to find the best deals in your area. This service makes comparison shopping for energy easy, and best of all it’s totally cost and obligation free.

Just last month almost 40,000 people chose ElectricityandGas.com.au to help them compare, switch and save. Cheaper bills are only a few clicks away. Why not join them?

*Retail Electricity Pricing Inquiry, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, 22 September 2017
**The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, and figures from the Australian Energy Market Commission for South Australians switching from the worst to the best offer.
^According to average customer data provided by YouCompare in May 2018. Figure based on previous customer data and this could change on a customer to customer basis.

Get Started Now:

Step 1:Select your State below.Step 2: After answering a few questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes in your area and could be eligible for significant savings.

Select your state to compare

*Disclaimer: Electricity & Gas compares your rates with the rates of our partner retailers, with the view of providing you the best overall offer from: ActewAGL, AGL, EnergyAustralia, Click, Dodo, Lumo, Momentum, Powerdirect, Q-Energy, Red Energy. “Up to 30%” listed is off electricity usage with one of our partner retailers off their default rates, for residents in VIC and is subject to terms & conditions. NSW, SA, QLD residents will have access to different discounts. Discounts & savings vary for consumers and businesses depending on distribution areas, residing state, electricity/ gas accounts and tariff type. AGL customers may be able to upgrade their energy plan, subject to terms and conditions.